Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith invited retired LB Brian Urlacher to visit training camp. "Brian is a family member for life," Smith said. "I've had the privilege to be around a lot of great players, any great player I've been around is always welcome wherever I am. We're trying to build something here football-wise, and I'm going to call on the Brian Urlachers of the world, and of course all our former Bucs around here. Derrick Brooks will tell you I've been in his ear quite a bit, got a chance to text with John Lynch yesterday... anytime you can have players around your current roster that have been through our system and know what it takes, it's a good thing. I will always be inviting any old player that I've been around."

Ira Kaufman, of The Tampa Tribune, reports free-agent LB Derrick Brooks (Buccaneers) believes his playing days in the NFL might be over. Brooks said, "You always keep your door open, but realistically, how good does the situation have to be for me to play again? I just know that situation hasn't occurred, and it if doesn't, you close the book and you move on. To me, I have no problems doing that."

Ian R. Rapoport, of the Boston Herald, reports free-agent LB Derrick Brooks (Buccaneers) is on the New England Patriots' radar, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The source said discussions are "preliminary" and that there is not yet a timetable to potentially sign Brooks.

Adam Schefter, of ESPN, reports the Chicago Bears have informed unrestricted free-agent LB Derrick Brooks (Buccaneers) that they will not be signing him at this time because they want to go with some of their younger linebackers.

Mike Triplett, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports unrestricted free-agent LB Derrick Brooks (Buccaneers) said during a radio interview that he hopes to be able to reach a contract agreement with the New Orleans Saints in the near future. "I really like their franchise and what Coach Payton has done there," Brooks said. "Hopefully I'll get something done real soon." He said his agents are continuing to talk to the Saints about a deal. The Saints have not ruled out the possibility of signing Brooks but do not appear to be in a rush to sign a linebacker.